Luanes World – Le Monde Perdu, Nature Collective member location, photo by Meycy Bailey
October is here, and with it comes one of the most exciting birding events of the year—October Big Day on October 12th, 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, this global event is a chance for all of us to connect through our shared love of birds, and it’s easier than ever to participate.
Last year, over 36,000 bird enthusiasts from 191 countries contributed to this event by submitting more than 83,000 checklists on eBird. This collective effort highlights the power of citizen science and the joy of birding, no matter where you are in the world. October Big Day is not only a part of Global Bird Weekend but also coincides with World Migratory Bird Day, making it a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature while contributing to conservation efforts.
How to Get Involved
Participating is as simple as spending a few minutes observing birds, whether in your backyard, or local park. Simply log your real life bird sightings on eBird, either via the website or the mobile app. Every observation counts, no matter how big or small, and your checklist will join thousands of others in a global bird count that helps scientists better understand and protect bird populations.
For Second Life residents, this is also a perfect opportunity to explore the virtual landscapes that mirror real-world habitats. Various TNC member locations offer peaceful escapes for virtual birdwatching—imagine birding from the comfort of your home while feeling immersed in nature! We encourage you to take a few moments to log into SL, enjoy these serene spaces, and see if you can spot any virtual bird species.
So whether you participate in real life or virtually, October Big Day is a wonderful way to connect with nature, contribute to science, and be part of a worldwide birding community. Let’s celebrate our feathered friends together this October! Happy birding!
How will you be celebrating? Share your plans in the comments below!
“Nerdy for Nature” is a new blog segment by Emm Evergarden, founder of The Nature Collective SL, which highlights various nature topics and nature in the news. She hopes you enjoy all of her nerdy musings and carry the info that you might learn, within your day-to-day lives – doing your part to be a steward and caretaker of the Earth and all its inhabitants.